Is a higher TT GVWR better?

outwestbound wrote:

westend wrote:

outwestbound wrote:
If a travel trailer's load (all my cargo, liquids, batts, LP, etc.)PLUS dry trailer weights were hypothetically say 8,200lbs for two TTs I'm considering, but the GVWR on one was 9800 and the other 11,000, wouldn't the higher GVWR be the safest? Ignoring cost, wouldn't the TT with the highest GVWR, even if I don't need to put more cargo in it, essentially be safer due to stronger brake system?

That theory assumes that the higher GVWR trailer has different brakes. There are only so many choices in brake size out there.

Yes, I assumed the brakes would be different but clearly I need to lean more about the specs on all machinery involved; TT and TV. Industry information is sketchy for sure. I'd assumed the dry TT weights to be equal, so to a newbie, if what I put onto the TT was also equal, but the two trailers advertised very different GVWR, then something must account for the increased GVWR (presumably braking). The more kind folks like you all that respond to my questions the more I realize how loose the RV industry - perhaps more in TTs than say motorcoaches, is with facts.

I'm a numerical guy and this whole thing conceptually is a basic optimization subject to constraint exercise. But getting viable assumptions and data is killing me; it will just take time and I learn more every day.

First. safety, quality, strength, and durability are all not written in the numbers.

Easy data to collect is UVW and GVWR, tire and axle load capacities, and pretty much what materials are used in a trailer. Either a brochure or a call to the Mfg. would get all the numbers.

What is difficult to optimise to constraint is the type and applications of running gear (including frame) and how they compare between individual trailers. I think we can leave the brakes out of the exercise because most systems are similar and are all engineered to stop the weights from moving. They are actually one of the more adequate systems in an RV.

One caveat, while gathering information, do not rely on dealers and their sales help. There is too much variability as to knowledge and the overriding sales agenda skews everything. I would suggest to narrow searches about RV's on this Forum and explore individual systems or groups of related components to advise yourself on the aspects of them.